13 Luxury Santa Monica Beachfront Hotels

Centred around the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica is the hub of laid-back beach culture, where rollerbladers and buskers share the esplanade with fine-dining restaurants, late-night bars and luxe condos. A Santa Monica holiday is full of sunny beach days, where you can enjoy authentic local Cali culture and some of the best Mexican-American fusion dining.

Stay in the heart of the action by booking a room in one of Santa Monica’s luxurious beachfront hotels. With more than 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve tracked down the 14 best beachfront hotels, many of which feature villa-style accommodation, gourmet on-site dining and resort-style leisure facilities.

Lose yourself to Casa Del Mar Hotel Santa Monica’s alluring Mediterranean vibes, accentuated by the opulent Italian Renaissance facade and contemporary luxuries within. Nestled on the beach, this extravagant hotel is under 10 minutes’ walk from the famed Muscle Beach, Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park. Along with its ocean-facing Terrazza Lounge, the hotel is home to Catch, a modern American seafood joint, and Cabana Lounge serving late-night drinks.

The Superior Room comes with a personal reading library and hydrothermal massage bath, while the Deluxe Room treats you to four-poster beds and a marble bathroom. You can upgrade to a room overlooking the beach or splurge on the Penthouse Suite with a fireplace, spacious living room and reading nook.

Located next door to the above hotel, Shutters On The Beach is an equally luxurious beachfront hotel with a sun-drenched pool deck and the pampering ONE Spa. On-site dining includes oceanside gourmet fare at Coast and refined American seafood at 1 Pico, while casual balcony drinks can be found at Living Room.

Hand-woven Tibetan rugs and a personal library accentuate the Superior Room, while the Studio King Room also has a private patio steps from the pool deck. There are also rooms commanding sweeping views of the ocean, such as the Ocean View Room and Ocean Front King Room. Alternatively, book a suite for the added luxury of a living room, private balcony or fireplace.

Why You Should Stay Here

The kitchenette and multiple fireplaces and balconies in the Beach House Suite.

HotelsCombined visitors love the inviting pool at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, which is paired with an outdoor Jacuzzi, sun deck and steam rooms. You also have access to a fully-equipped fitness centre, yoga classes, indulgent treatments at Exhale Spa and babysitting services. Don’t forget about the gourmet on-site dining, which includes southern California cuisine at FIG Restaurant and beachside happy hours at The Bungalow.

Accommodation ranges from cosy and contemporary guest rooms with either ocean or garden views and king-size beds to spacious suites and extravagant bungalows. Bungalow One is a beachside oasis with three bedrooms and a private furnished patio, while the Tower Suite features ocean views, a separate living room and vibrant photography displayed on its walls.

Why You Should Stay Here

A range of affordable rooms and opulent suites and bungalows to suit all budgets.

The iconic Georgian Hotel exudes 1940s-style Hollywood grandeur within its 84 luxurious rooms and suites. Rooms boast either one or two queen-size beds or a king-size bed, along with flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffee makers and mini bars. The suites, meanwhile, have enticing inclusions such as uninterrupted ocean views, spacious living areas, French doors and sheer draperies.

The on-site Veranda Restaurant pairs modern flavours and signature cocktails with ocean vistas, while it’s also known for its delectable high tea. This pet-friendly hotel also offers 24-hour fitness and business centres, free weekday newspapers and overnight shoe shining.

Why You Should Stay Here

A short walk from Camera Obscura Art Lab and the Santa Monica Veterans Memorial.

With its enviable location, Hotel Erwin perfectly combines the laid-back beach culture of Santa Monica with the luxe designer architecture, music history and late-night partying of Venice Beach. The hotel’s High Rooftop Lounge offers some of the area’s best sunset views and cocktails, while Barlo Kitchen + Cocktails showcases SoCal flavours and artisan food.

All the rooms and suites feature pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs and work desks, including the Epic View King Room, which also has a private balcony with ocean views. Splurge on the Ocean View King Suite for a king-size bed, private balcony and separate living room or nab the Apartment Suite for an additional bedroom.

Why You Should Stay Here

Home to one of the best rooftop bars in Venice and Santa Monica.

A short walk from the Venice Beach Boardwalk and Jim Morrison Mural Wall.

Looking for boutique Santa Monica accommodation? Check out the eco-conscious Shore Hotel, one of the closest beachfront hotels to Santa Monica Pier and the Santa Monica Place shopping mall. The rooms all have sustainably-sourced furnishings, eco-friendly lighting and private patios or balconies. Almost all of the rooms have full or partial ocean views in addition to rain showers and mini bars.

Along with a solar-heated pool and hot tub, this hotel also has sun loungers, a 24-hour fitness centre and on-site car rentals. Those travelling for work will also appreciate the 24-hour business centre and flexible indoor/outdoor meeting room.

Why You Should Stay Here

Surrounded by a variety of top Santa Monica attractions.

The two balconies, separate living room and king-size bed in the King Ocean View Grand Room.

Relaxation comes easy at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, where a two-tiered pool deck and poolside smoothies complement the alluring swimming pool. Indulge in an oxygen-focused treatment at the pampering Ocean Spa or work out in the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Don’t miss the locally-caught seafood and ocean views at Ocean & Vine Restaurant or the signature cocktails at BarBelle.

The rooms at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel are blessed with contemporary furnishings and ocean views, including the enticing Oceanfront Fire Pit Room with a furnished patio and fire pit. The custom-designed suites are even more luxurious, from the Poolside Cabana Room and Boho Terrace Luxury Suite to the Santa Monica Luxury Suite.

Treat yourself to a true beach retreat at the 4-star JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot. Most of the comfortable guest rooms feature king-size beds and private balconies, while all of them come with air conditioning, marble bathrooms, LCD TVs and pay-per-view movies. Alternatively, upgrade to the Catalina Suite for a partial ocean view and separate living room.

Tuck into delicious Californian and French cuisine at Cezanne or sip on creative cocktails at Le Troquet Patio Lounge. You can work up a sweat in the fitness centre, swim in the Spa Terrace Outdoor Pool or indulge in a body scrub, eye treatment or couple’s massage at Spa Le Merigot.

Why You Should Stay Here

The balcony, ocean views and spacious living room in the Malibu Suite.

The award-winning Viceroy Santa Monica is the epitome of luxury, comfort and style, offering exquisite seaside living within its spacious and light-filled rooms and suites. The rooms have Italian bedding, fully-stocked bars and views of either the city, ocean or pool. Upgrade to the Empire Suite for a separate living area or the Monarch Suite for a steam shower and whirlpool bath.

You’ll find it easy to unwind at this pet-friendly hotel, thanks to the two outdoor plunge pools, 24-hour fitness centre and nearby day spas, such as Willow Spa and Alchemie Spa. Don’t forget to treat yourself to hand-crafted cocktails and farm-fresh meals at Cast Restaurant.

Embrace the signature Shangri-La service, amenities and comfort at Hotel Shangri-La Santa Monica, which also boasts one-of-a-kind dining and nightlife. Onyx Rooftop Lounge is the only indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and lounge in Santa Monica, treating you to Pacific Ocean views and specialty cocktails. The Dining Room, meanwhile, offers international dining and produce from the Santa Monica farmers markets.

The spacious rooms and superb on-site dining at Oceana Beach Club Hotel has won over HotelsCombined visitors. Tuck into the coastal California cuisine at Tower 8, which sources its produce from local Santa Monica farmers markets. You can burn off that sumptuous fare with a beach yoga session or further indulge in an in-room massage.

The boutique accommodations are not only spacious, but also feature those valued touches of luxury, such as deep-soaking bath and rain shower in the Signature Ocean View Suite. You’ll find self-contained living in the Lanai Kitchenette Suite, which has a kitchenette and private balcony.

Why You Should Stay Here

A tranquil pool area with a seasonal juice bar, outdoor fireplace and candlelit poolside dining.

The California king-size bed, separate living room and beach-facing balcony in the Signature Ocean View Suite.

Escape to a seaside haven at The Huntley Hotel, which features a stunning array of modern and luxurious suites with Pacific Ocean views, king-size beds, open spa baths, glass showers and window reading nooks. If you want to save money, book one of the guest rooms, many of which have beach views, soaking baths and large windows.

The towering hotel features an opulent lobby area for chilling out, while dramatic 18th-floor Pacific Ocean views and innovative cocktails can be found at the Penthouse Restaurant. Step outside to find popular Santa Monica attractions within walking distance, including Westside Comedy Theatre and the Santa Monica Wednesday Farmers Market.

You can’t stay much closer to the iconic Pacific Park Ferris wheel than Wyndham Santa Monica At The Pier. This newly-renovated hotel features alluring on-site facilities, including a 24-hour fitness centre, bicycle rentals and sun-drenched swimming pool with poolside drink service. You also have access to classic American fare in the Lobby Restaurant and Bar and in-room dining menus for breakfast and dinner.

All of the rooms and suites have views of either the beach or cityscape, including the Standard King Room with a king-size bed and the King Partial Ocean View with a work desk and ergonomic chair. Alternatively, splurge on the Junior Suite, which has a plush bed and additional lounge area.

Why You Should Stay Here

A few minutes’ walk from the Santa Monica Pier and Downtown Santa Monica.

The inviting pool area with sun loungers and poolside drinks and snacks.

Hotel Location

Luxe Living on the Beach at Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a relaxed and naturally resplendent city with a vibrant local culture, home to gourmet dining, beach activities and memorable outdoor experiences. Make the most of your time in Santa Monica by staying at one of these 13 luxurious beachfront hotels. The most popular among HotelsCombined visitors typically feature on-site dining, beautiful swimming pools, fitness centres and rooms with balconies overlooking the water.

Author: Ben Stower

I'm enamoured with travel, whether it's finding the quiet, local sanctuaries in touristic cities, venturing into rock vaults in a distant jungle or spending hours on a Spanish beach. I can't see an end to my travelling. Just another chapter and another story to tell.
View all posts by Ben Stower

Ben Stower

I'm enamoured with travel, whether it's finding the quiet, local sanctuaries in touristic cities, venturing into rock vaults in a distant jungle or spending hours on a Spanish beach. I can't see an end to my travelling. Just another chapter and another story to tell.

Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, I have been travelling with my battered backpack full-time for over a decade. My favourite travel memories include skydiving in Switzerland, wine tasting in Portugal, road tripping through Iceland, snorkelling in Indonesia and watching a sunset in the Sahara Desert.

I'm enamoured with travel, whether it's finding the quiet, local sanctuaries in touristic cities, venturing into rock vaults in a distant jungle or spending hours on a Spanish beach. I can't see an end to my travelling. Just another chapter and another story to tell.

Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, I have been travelling with my battered backpack full-time for over a decade. My favourite travel memories include skydiving in Switzerland, wine tasting in Portugal, road tripping through Iceland, snorkelling in Indonesia and watching a sunset in the Sahara Desert.